DMM Advisory | Postal Explorer

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The Postal Service is reminding customers that metallic mercury and devices containing metallic mercury are always prohibited in the mail stream. This includes antique items such as thermometers, barometers, blood pressure monitors and similar devices.

Pricing & Classification DMM Advisory

Message board to keep postal customers informed of changes to mailing standards, services, and prices.

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January 18, 2009

January 18 Pricing Change – Shipping Services

We adjusted prices for the following shipping services today, January 18:

Express Mail
Priority Mail
Parcel Select
Parcel Return Service
Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)
Express Mail International
Priority Mail International
M-bags

Our tools on usps.com/prices can help you transition to the new prices.

We will announce price changes for mailing services, including the new stamp prices, in February. Mailing services prices will adjust in May 2009. Watch the DMM Advisory to stay informed.

January DMM Update

Postal Explorer (pe.usps.com) is your source for up-to-date mailing standards. The Domestic Mail Manual is fully searchable on Postal Explorer and features fly-out menus, cross-reference links, and an extensive subject index. Today we updated our mailing standards with the following changes:

Shipping Services

We revised prices throughout the DMM to support the January 18 Shipping Services pricing change for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, and Parcel Return Service. The changes include the new Express Mail and Priority Mail “commercial plus” pricing option for high-volume shippers.

We also added a new Priority Mail Small Flat-Rate Box, priced the same as the flat-rate envelope. The new box is about the same size and shape as three stacked DVD cases and is perfect for jewelry, electronics, event tickets, and other small items that need expedited shipping.

Diplomatic Post Office Addresses

We revised our mailing standards to add a new diplomatic post office (DPO) address format. The new format distinguishes diplomatic overseas mail from military mail, as requested by the Department of State. We made this revision in 113.4, 123.1, 413.4, 423.1, 503, 507.2, 601.10, 703, 705.2, and 707.3.

Products Mailable as Nonprofit Standard Mail

We revised 703.1.6.11 to update the value of products mailable at Nonprofit Standard Mail prices. For 2009, the maximum value of a “low-cost item” is $9.50.

Our next scheduled DMM update is February 2.